MADRID – Restricted access to airports in Spain will be lifted within a few days. This announcement was made by the Spanish Minister of Transport. Currently, only passengers, staff, and (in extreme necessity) escorts have access to the airports.
To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the airport authority Aena previously imposed restrictive measures for visitors to access airports. This measure was part of the Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) program that was established at all 46 airports in Spain.
Restricted access to airports
One of the most important measures of this program concerns limited access to the airports. Until now, only passengers with a valid boarding pass, airport staff, and escorts could enter Spanish airports. Furthermore, this measure was introduced to prevent crowds at airports.
Spanish Council of Ministers decides this week on lifting restrictions
On Saturday, Spanish Transport Minister Raquel Sánchez said restrictions will be lifted in the coming days and people will have access to the airports almost ‘as usual’. This week the lifting of these restrictions will be discussed in the Council of Ministers and after approval, the airports will again be freely accessible to all people.
Decision thanks to improved epidemiological situation in Spain
Consequently, the Spanish minister said he felt comfortable making this choice given the improved epidemiological situation in Spain. Sánchez delivered this “happy message” after consultation with her ministry, in which the presidents of Aena and Renfe, among others, had also participated.
Not all restrictions removed at Spanish airports
Although reference is made to ‘the world as before’, it is not yet certain whether all limitations will be released. For the time being, the minister has not made any statements about the possible lifting of the mouth mask obligation that is still in force in these indoor areas and in public transport.